Helsinki Central Library Oodi

Oodi Library in Helsinki is truly amazing – it’s so much more than just a library. The atmosphere is modern, welcoming, and inspiring. Printing and other services are very easy to use, with no hassle and at a much cheaper price than elsewhere. The building itself is beautiful, with plenty of space to read, work, or simply relax. Oodi is a cultural hub, a meeting place, and a great example of how a library can serve the whole community.

Oodi is an impressive public library located near Helsinki's main train station. It's well connected to all types of public transport. The library has a coffee shop and a restaurant on-site. There are several floors, each offering various services. There are many private spaces offering free reservations for gaming rooms, conference rooms, and reading rooms. There's also a section offering boardgames that can be loaned for 1-2 weeks.

1 | A multi-story library that impresses with its modern architecture. Rather than a library in the traditional sense, it is more of a leisure center where you can study, read, or simply spend time among people. The place is very popular with families with small children, as there is a nice play area for kids. 2 | Entry to the building is free, and no membership is required. The library also includes a café and a bistro with refreshments. 3 | On sunny days, the outdoor terrace is a lovely place to sit. However, the number of tables is limited, so you’ll likely have to wait for one to become available. In the library, you can reserve a study room, play or borrow board games, or make use of 3D printing. 4 | The library building was opened in 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence.

Oodi, Helsinki Central Library, is an architectural masterpiece. It doesn't look very impressive when one approaches it from the railway station, but when one turns the corner, the beauty - curved wooden construction - uncovers itself. If the facade of Oodi is almost incredible, the inside of the library is worth of going around, too. Besides Oodi functions as a traditional library - of course as a very modern library - there is a restaurant and a cafeteria in Oodi. The library has been plant so that one can enjoy oneself there for hours or even all day long. In Helsinki there are many "must visit" attractions for a tourist. Helsinki Central Library is absolutely one of them.

The Helsinki Central Library is a fascinating blend of culture and innovation. Beyond its impressive book collection and stunning design, it offers a kitchen for practice, sound and recording studios, plus work and meeting rooms, making it a vibrant hub for creativity and learning.

Really stunning architecture. This library is a must go when in Helsinki. We were there on a Sunday and it was not crowded at all. Also the Terrasse was quite empty and you could took nice pictures as well. You don’t have to pay for the entrance, so no need to buy tickets before. From the terrace you have a great view to other national buildings of Helsinki. I would definitely go there again.

One of the most modern and inspiring libraries I have ever visited. I had heard about the famous library in Oslo, but never about the one in Helsinki—so I was genuinely surprised when I stopped by and discovered such a vibrant variety of activities: walking tours through the library, people using 3D printers, young visitors playing video games, and others simply working or relaxing with coffee on the terrace. I’m truly glad to see that the concept of so-called “third places” is becoming more and more popular, because we really do need more spaces where people can connect and interact.

This HAS to be the most beautiful library in the world. Stunning building and facilities: not just books but games, chess tables, sewing machines, laser cutters, 3-D printers and more. Plus lots of comfortable nooks and crannies to lounge with a book, single/group work spaces, two cafes and a sunny terrace overlooking the city. I spent a very happy half hour with a coffee and The New Yorker. Worth visiting!